Combination die for clamping separators to slide fastener tapes



M. H. LANGE COMBINATION DIE FOR CLAMPING SEPARATORS Aug. 2, 1955 T0 SLIDE FASTENER TAPES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 29, 1950 MAX LA/V6 INVENTOR ATTORNEY g- 1955 M. H. LANGE 2,714,210

COMBINATION DIE FOR CLAMPING SEPARATORS- TO SLIDE FASTENER TAPES Filed May 29. 1 50 s Sheets-Sheet 2 MAX/7! LA/VGE INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY Aug. 2, 1955 M. H. LANGE 2,714,210 COMBINATION DIE FOR CLAMPING SEPARATORS TO SLIDE FASTENER TAPES Filed May 29, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 F l 4 \0 O h MAX fl. LA/VGE m INVENTOR.

United States Patent i COMBINATION DIE FOR CLAMPING SEPARA- TQRS T0 SLIDE FASTENER TAPES Max H. Lange, New York, N. Y., assignor to Slidelock International, Ltd., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York I Application May 29, 1950, Serial No. 165,070 4 Claims. (Cl. 1-177) This invention relatesjto a die, used in a step in the process of manufacturing slide fasteners, particularly slide fasteners of the separable type, in which the stringers of the fastener may be completely detached from one another.

In fasteners of this type, a separator end, in the form of a formed sheet metal channel, may be attached to the lower corded edge of each of the tapes, below the end elements, to accurately align the tapes, within a channel or box, located below the elements, and to allow the slider to be removed from orrestored to the fastener elements.

While separators of various types may be used, one type takes the form of a short channel, of substantially U-shaped cross-section, which is fitted over the bottom of the corded edge of the tape, the legs of the channel being bent over the corded edge of the tape to clamp the separator to the tape.

Due to the accuracy required in forming and attaching the separator to the tape, this operation has been relatively complicated and costly. v

The separators have been attached to the tapes either manually, or semi-automatically, using machines which are complicated, costly, and relatively difficult to operate.

As this is one of the final operations in the manufacture of slide fasteners of this type, and it is performed after the elements, and the other accessories, are attached to the tapes, it is important thatthe separators be attached to the tapes, in accurate alignment with one another, and with the lower" elements, to allow the slider and the channel, or box, to be attached and removed, without excessive adjustment. The cost of the. complete fastener assembly at this point in the process of manufacture is relatively high, and the operation performed quite rapidly, so that any inaccuracy in attaching the separators, would result in considerable damage to, or rejection of completed fasteners, in quantities, before it is detected.

It is further essential that the legs of the separators be accurately closed over the tape, in order to avoid aprojecting edge which may damage fabrics, or injure the fingers of the user.

It is also important that the die maintain its accuracy over sustained periods, without frequent adjustment, so that it can be mounted in any type of press, which is available, and operated by a relatively unskilled attendant.

The object of my invention is to provide a die for attaching separator ends to slide fastener tapes, which progressively feeds the channels, in the form of long, connected strips, forms the channels to approximately the final shape required, severs the'junction between adjacent channels in the strips, supports the tape, and clamps the legs of. the channels over the corded edge of the tape.

A. further object is to provide a die, which can be mounted with equal facility in any type of press, which is mechanically, hydraulically, or air-actuated.

A primary object is to provide a die, which is self-contained and independent of the press for accuracy and directional control, so that it can be installedin, and re- 2,714,210 Patented Aug. 2, 1955 moved from the press, without disturbing the adjustment of the die in any manner.

Another object is to provide a die which will accurately position and support the separators and tapes, so that they can be assembled with a minimum of distortion.

A major object is to provide an apparatus, which can be operated and maintained by an operator of ordinary skill, and will maintain its adjustment and accuracy, with relatively little attention, over sustained periods.

The accompanying drawings, illustrative of one embodiment of the die of my invention, together with the description of its construction and the method of installation and operation thereof, will serve to clarify further objects and advantages of my invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 represents a front elevation of the assembled die, with the front cover plate removed, to show the operating mechanism.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section through the centerline of the die of Fig. 1, taken at 2-2, Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a partial plan view of the die of Figs. 1 and 2, and a cross-section through the plunger and guides, taken at 3-3, Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a section of a strip of connected separator channels.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-section through the separator channel of Fig. 4, taken at 55, of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section through the channel strip feed ing, and the closing mechanism of the die of Fig. 1, taken at 6-6, Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-section through the forming block of the die of Fig. 2, with the channel in place, taken at 7-7, Fig. 2.

Fig. 8, is a cross-section through the sliding jaws of the closing mechanism of Figs. 1 and 2, with the separator attached to the tape, showing the jaws in the closing position, taken at 8-8, Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a cross-section through the center of the sliding jaws of Fig. 8, with the jaws in the open position.

Fig. 10, represents an enlarged cross-section through the center of the sliding jaw, similar to Fig. 9, with the jaws in the closed position.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged front elevation of one end of the slide fastener tape, with the elements, and the separator end, attached to the corded edge of the tape.

Fig. .12 is an enlarged cross-section through the tape and the separator of Fig. 11, taken at 1212, Fig. 11.

It will be understood that the following description of the construction and operation of the die for clamping separators to slide fastener tapes, is intended as explanatory of the invention and not restrictive thereof.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same parts throughout the various views.

One embodiment of the die, shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, may be mounted on a right-angle base 10, consisting of a substantially horizontal base plate 11, which may be mounted on the bed of a press, attached to a vertical plate 12, as indicated in Fig. 2.

The die is used to attach the separator ends 15, which are furnished in long strips 16, of substantially U-shaped channel cross-section, in which adjoining separators are connected by narrow links 17, formed integral with the channels, as indicated in Fig. 4.

The separator ends may be attached to one end of the corded edge of the tape 20, after the fastener elements 21, are attached thereto, beyond the end element, as indicated in Figs. 11 and 12. A reinforcing strip 22, formed of a narrow fabric strip, attached to the end of the tape by means of an adhesive coating, may be wrapped around the end of the tape, prior to the attachment of the separator ends 15, as indicated in Fig. 11.

The separator channel strips 16 may be fed into the die through a substantially rectangular slot, or channel 25, formed in the upper end of a base extension 26, attached to the rear end of the base plate, as indicated in Fig. 6.

Two substantially parallel vertical bars 27, may be attached to the rear surface of the vertical plate 12, of the base, the bars being spacedly located to form a substantially rectangular channel 28', therebetween.

A plunger 3%, of rectangular or other suitable crosssection, may be slidably mounted in the channel 28, be-

tween the bars, the forward endof the plunger being guided by the rear face of the vertical plate, of the base.

A bracket 32, may be attached to the upper endof the plunger 30, a substantially cylindrical boss 33, formed integral with the upper end of the bracket 32, having a counterbore 34, of circular or other suitable cross-section, formed therein, to receive a reciprocating rod, or ram (not shown), attached to the press, in which the die is mounted.

The press rod, or ram may be actuated by ahydraulic cylinder, a compressed-air actuated cylinder, or a me-- chemically-controlled press, driven by a motor, or other suitable driving means.

A pair of adjusting screws 35, may be threadably mounted in the base plate of the bracket 32, the screws engaging the upper edge of a cross-bar 36, slidably supported in the forward portion of the die, to move the cross-bar downward, with the downward movement of the plunger, thereby controlling the operation of the closing mechanism, as will be hereinafter described. A set screw 37, may be threadably inserted in the bracket plate, in substantial alignment with each of the adjusting screws 35, to-lock the adjusting screws in the adjusted position. The lower edge, of the rear face of the plunger 30, may be bevelled 38, as indicated in Fig. 2, the bevelled edge engaging a similarly formed bevel, or angular surface 39', formed at the forward edge of a separator feed slide 40.

The feed slide 40, may be slidably mounted in a channel, formed between two parallel guide blocks 41, attached to the base plate of thedie, as indicated in Fig. 3.

A pair of substantially parallel guide studs 43', may be threadably inserted in the rear end of the guide blocks 4-1, the studs slidably fitting into openings formed in a flange 44, attached to the rear end of the-feed slide 4%. A coiled compression spring 45, may be mounted around each of the guide studs 43, one end of each of the springs engaging the rear edge of the flange 44, the opposite end pressing against a Washer 46, or the under surface of anut 47, threadably attached to the outer end of each of the guide studs 43*, the springs pressing the feed slide 40, forward, t)

to retain the bevelled surface 39, at the forward end of the slide, in continuous engagement with the bevel 38, formed at the bottom of the plunger.

A pair of adjustable set screws 48, may be threadably inserted into the flanges 44, the forward edge of the set screws engaging the rear edge of the guide blocks 41, to limit the forward movement of the flange and the feed slide 40.

A feed stop 49-, comprising a substantially cylindrical body 50, which fits into an opening formed in the slide, and a head 51, formed integral with the body, may be slidably mounted in an opening formed in the slide. The tip 52, formed at the bottom of the stop, comprising a flat forward'face 53, and a bevelled rear surface 54, fits into the gap 55, formed between adjoining separator channels 15, in the channel strip,- the forward edge of the tip engaging the rear edge of'the separator channel end 1521, in the strip, to feed the strip forward, when the slide is moved forward by the compression springs 45, the feed stop moving a distance, substantially equal to the length one separator end, as indicated by the two stoppositions, shown in Fig. 2, with each full forward movement of the slide.

A formed plate spring 57, one end of which maybe attached to the slide 4% by means of a screw 58', or other attaching means, inserted in the slide, may be provided, a substantially U-shaped slot 59, formed inthe free end of the spring, fitting over the body of the stop, to allow the sides of the spring, adjacent the slot, to engage a shoulder 60, formed integral with the stop, below the head, thereof, thus pressing the stop downward and maintaining the tip in engagement with the edge of the separator end 15a, during the feeding operation.

When the slide is moved rearward, by the downward movement of the plunger 30, the front end of the separator channel strip is gripped, in a manner, which will be hereinafter described, the bevelled edge at the rear of the tip of the stop, engaging the front end of the following. separator channel end 15b, thus raising the stop, against the pressure of the plate spring 57, the tip riding along the upper edge of the legs 61 of the channel, until the next gap 55a, between the following pair of separator channels is reached, at the end of the rearward movement of the slide, when the tip of the st'opdropsinto the gap, preparatory to feeding the strip forward, when the plunger 30 is raised. When the channel strip is"mo'ved' forward by the compression spring, the first separatorend of the channel strip is gripped between, a pair of sliding jaws hereinafter described in detail, the jaws gripping the channel strip and forming it around the tape until the link connecting the front separator end with the balance of the channel strip is sheared off.

The rearward movement of the feed stop 49 is coordinated with the movement of the shear blade so that the channel strip is gripped by the sliding jaws until the feed stop. 49 is moved from the position shown by dot-dash lines, Fig. 2, to the position shown by solid lines, Fig, 2.

The bevelled rear surface 54 of the tip of the feed stop allows the feed stop 49 to ride up out of the gap 55 between the channel strip separator ends against the pressure of the plate spring 57 until the gap 55 between the next pair of. channel separator ends is reached. After the shear blade severs the link 17' connecting adjoining separator ends, the channel strip is again moved forward' by the coiled'compression springs 62. The plunger may be lifted, either by the raising of the ram, of the press, or by releasing a pair of coiled compression springs 62', each of the springs being mounted between a bore, formed in the lower portion of the cross-bar 36, and' a similarbore, formed in the upper end of each of a pair of substantially parallel guide bars 63, attached to the forward faceof the vertical plate 12, of the base, the springs being compressed by the downward movement of the ram of the press, and released, when the ram is raised 'The raising of the plunger allows the springs 45 to feed the slide, with the stop attached thereto, forward, in the manner hereinbefore explained.

The. separator channel strip isfed forward, through a sloping groove 64,.formed in a hardened steel block 65, mounted in an opening formed in the vertical base plate 12, the groove being in substantial alignment with the feed channel 66, formed in the base plate 11, and the channel 25,, formed in the base plate extension, as indicated in. Fig. 6.-

The upper. edge 67 of the feed groove 64, formed in theunder'surface of the block 65,, may be sloped downward, therear edge clearingthe upper edge of the legs ofv the separator, with the'forward edge located closer to the upper edge. of the separator legs. 61, to accurately guide the separatorlegs, with relation to the sides of the tape 20, which is located in a gap 68, formed in substantially the center of the forward face of the die, between the inner'edges of the right-angle guides 69 and 69a, in the -manner hereinafter described.

Another block 70, the upper edge of which is in substantial' alignment with the channel passage 66, formed f in'the'b'ase'pla'te, maybe mounted below'the block 65,

to support the upper block 65, and the bottom of the separator channel strip 16, below the groove 64 in the upper block.-

The side walls of the forward end of the groove 64, in the block, may also be shaped inward to preform the upper end of the legs of the separator channel, to fit the sides of the tape, preparatory to the final closing operation.-

The closing mechanism, which is mounted in the forward portion of the die, in front of the vertical plate 12, comprises a pair of levers 72 and 72a, each of the levers being pivotally supported by a pivot pin 73, attached to the vertical plate 12, of the base.

An angular cam contour 75, may be formed at the upper end of each of the levers 72, the cam contours engaging the bevelled surfaces 76, formed at the ends of the cross-bar 36, to spread the upper end of the levers, when the cross-bar is moved downward, thereby moving the lower end of the levers into the-closing position, as indicated in Fig. 1.

A slide block '77, attached to the lower end ofthe cross-bar 36, may be slidably supported between two substantially parallel vertical guide bars 63, attached to the vertical plate.

Two sliding jaws 80 and 80a may be slidably mounted in a slot 81, formed between a lower guide block 82 attached to the base plate, and the horizontal members of the two upper guides 69, attached to the vertical wall of the. base, the slot 81, slidably fitting the surfaces of the sliding jaws 80 and 80a, to accurately guide the jaws.

The lower end of each of the levers 72 and 72a, may be thinned down to form a jaw-control section 83, the sides of which are substantially parallel, the control section of each of the levers fitting into a slot 84, formed in each of the sliding jaws, adjacent the outer end thereof, the sides 35, of the slot being curved to clear the angular movement of the jaw control section 83, ofthe lever.

A pair of vertical spacers 86, may be attached to the vertical plate, adjacent the outer edges thereof. A setscrew 87 may be threadably inserted in each of the vertical spacers, adjacent the upper edge of the lever 72, the

set screw engaging the outer edge of the corresponding lever, to limit the angular movement of the lever, about the pivot pin 73. j g

A pair of substantially cylindrical plungers 88, may be mounted in openings formed in the lower guide block 82, below the sliding jaws 80, each of the plungers engaging the outer edge of the corresponding lever, to cushion the movement of the lever, and restore the lever to its free position, after the pressure is released, a coiled compression spring 89, mounted in the opening, behind the plunger 88, pressing each of the plungers against the edge of the corresponding lever, thereby angularly moving the lever about the pivot pin 73, when the plunger is raised, lifting the cross-bar out of engagement with the upper edge of the levers, the sliding jaws being restored to their free position, releasing the tape with the separator end attached thereto.

An adjusting stop screw 90, may be threadably inserted in each of the spacers 86, in substantial alignment with the outer edge of each of the jaws 80 and Sila, the tip of each of the screws engagingthe outer edge of the corresponding jaw, to adjustably limit the outward movement of the jaws, thereby limiting the angular movement of the levers, when the cross-bar is raised.

A shearing member 93, comprising a body 94, of square, or rectangular cross-section, and a thin shear blade 95, formed integral with the lower and of the body, may be attached to the lower end of the vertical slide 77, the upper end of the body being fitted to an opening formed in the slide, or the body of the shearing 'member may be attached to the slide by other suitable means.

1 The shear blade 95 is slidably fitted into a gap, formed d between the forward edge of the block 65, and the rear edge of the sliding jaws 80, the distance between the forward edge of the sliding jaws 80, and the forward edge of the shear blade, being substantially equal to the length during the shearing operation.

The forward edge ofthe tape 20, with the reinforcing strip 22, attached thereto, may be manually inserted into a gap 68, formed between the two guides 69, the corded edge of the tape being fitted between the two formed notches 99, one of which is formed in the lower portion of the inner edge of each of the sliding jaws 80, as indicated in Figs. 1, 9 and 10.

A pair of pins 160, may be pressed into the two vertical guide bars 63, at opposite sides of the central slide 77, the exposed end, of each of the pins, projecting into a notch 101, formed at each side of the slide.

A pair of shoulders 102, formed at the upper end of the notches 101, at the sides of the slide, engage the upper edge of the pins 100, thus limiting the downward movement of the slide, and the shear blade attached thereto, during the downward stroke of the plunger.

A pair of vertical spacers 86, may be attached to the vertical plate 12, adjacent the outer edges thereof, and a cover plate 166 attached to the spacers by a plurality of screws 107, or other suitable attaching means, an opening being formed in the center of the plate, around the inner ends of the sliding jaws 80, and the gap between the guides 69, to allow the end of the fastener tape to be inserted between the jaws. Dowels, or other suitable locating means, may be provided in the spacers,

so that the plate can be removed and replaced in its initial position.

a plurality of screws, to close the channel 28, formed be-- tween the bars, the forward face of the plate engaging the rear edge of the plunger, to guide the plunger within the channel 28.

A cover plate 109 may be attached to the upper face of each of the guide blocks 41, the inner edge 110, of each of the plates, projecting beyond the inner edge of the corresponding guide block, to retain the slide in sliding position between the guide blocks. A plurality of screws 111, or other suitable attaching means, maybe used to attach the plates to the blocks, dowels 112, or other suitable locating means, being inserted in the blocks, and fitted to openings in the plate, to provide for the removal and-accurate replacement of the plates. When the plunger 30 is moved downward, by the downward movement of the ram of the press, the two beveled edges, at the ends of the cross-bar, engage the a cam surfaces, formed at the top of the pivoted levers, thereby spreading the upper end of the levers, the lower end moving the two sliding jaws into the closing position, shown in Fig. 10, thus bending the upperend of the legs 61, of the separator channel, over the corded edge of the tape, thereby firmly attaching the separator to the tape.

While the separator end is held between the sliding jaws, the bevelled edge, at the bottom of the plunger;

forces the feed slide 40, rearward, against the pressure of the coiled springs 62, thereby raising the tip of the feed stop 49, to the top of the legs of the separator channel, until the stop reaches the rear position, shown by the full lines, Fig. 2.

With the continued downward movement of the plunger 30, and the shear slide, at the front of the die, the shear blade 95 s'evers the connecting strip, between the formedseparator end 150, located between the sliding jaws,- and the following separator channel, in the strip, thus allowing the tape, with the separator attached thereto, to be manually removed from the gap 68, between the guides.

Simultaneously with the start of the. upward movement of the plunger 30, when the downward pressure of the press ram is released, the springs move the flange 44, attached to the horizontal slide 40, and the slide, forward, the tip 52' of the stop- 49, mounted in the slide, moving the channel strip 16 forward, a distance substantially equal to the length of one separator end, until the stop reaches the dot-dash position, shown in Fig. 2.

Theforward channel15; is thusrnovedi into'the mountingv position between the jaws 80 and 8011', after a new fastener tape 20 is inserted inv the gap 68', between the guides 69 and 69a. The downward movement of the plunger, by the ram of the press, repeats' the closing operation, and the shearing operation, and also moves thje'horizontal feed'slide 40' rearward, so that the stop 49 can pickup another separator, and move it into the closing position, when the plunger is raised, as hereinbefore described, the operation continuing. as long asv a strip of separator channels is fed through the opening in the rear plate extension, with a new fastener tape manually inserted between the jaws 80, after the jaws are separated.

In place of the built-up construction, shown in the drawings, and hereinbefore described, the base may be made up of a single casting, the horizontal section being formed integral: with the vertical section. The guide bars, located at the front and'rear face of the vertical plate, may also be cast integral therewith, the slide guide blocks, attached-to the'horizontal base plate, being similarly east integral with the plate.

The basemay also be built up of plates, welded or brazedto one another, to form an integral unit, the.

various bars and guides, attached to both sides of the vertical wall of thebase, andsthehorizontali wall, respec tively, being similarly welded, brazed, or otherwise attached to. the correspondingmember of the'base.

The: die assembly, hereinbefore described, is completely self-contained, the ram'of the press, in which it is mounted, merely supplying the power, or pressure, required:to move the-plunger downward, all of the'operations of the press being co-ordinated with the downward movement of the plunger, or the return stroke thereof.

The upward, or return stroke of the die, is independent of the movement'of the ram of the' press, the'cross-bar, andthe plunger, co-ordinated with it, being restored to their initial position bya pair of coiled compression springs, mounted below the cross-bar.

The. separator channel feedmeehanism is moved rearward by the downward'movement of the plunger. The forward-separatorfeeding-operation is actuated by a pair of coiled-compression springs,-controlling the forward movement of the-horizontal feed slide, when the plunger bevel is'raised'outfofengagement with thefrontendof the slide The alignmentof the plunger and the vertical slide, to whichthe shearblade is attached, are guided in their vertical movement by'guides and bars, attached to the base of the die, and are therefore completely independent of the'alignment between the ram of the press, or the bed thereof, and the plunger axis. It is thus possible for the ram of the press to be angularly out of alignment with'the plunger axis, without affecting the operation of the unit in any manner.

Similarly, the'ho'rizontal slide and the separator channel feed mechanism are accurately aligned'by the'baseof the die," so that'they-arerelatively independent'of the accuracy of thesurfaee of the bed'of the press, insofar as accuracy of operation of the unit isconcerned.

The coordination of the horizontal feeding mechanism,

and the vertical plunger and slide, is controlled entirely by the accuracy of the horizontal and the vertical plate, forming the base of the die, and is therefore entirely independent of the relation between the bed of the press and the ram thereof.

The die may be mounted in any suitable type of press, actuated .by a hydraulic cylinder, a compressed-air actuated cylinder, a motor-driven, mechanically controlled press, or a foot-operated.press', having sufficient power to move the plunger.

The separator ends may be of the type, shown in the drawings, or any other suitable type of separator, which may be attached to the corded edge of the tape, may be substituted therefor.

The slide fastener tapes, instead of being manually inserted between the sliding jaws, and the gap between the guides,v may be ins'ertedby an automatic, or a semiautomatic apparatus, .co-ordinated" with the operation of thedie, and the feeding: of the separator ends.

The reinforcing strip, attached to the end of the fastener' tape, may be replaced by another suitable type of reinforcement, Or, eliminated entirely, where the tape and the corded edge, thereof,.will support the edges of the separator legs, without reinforcement.

The separatorjends may be of any suitable size, conforming to the thickness of the tape, and the diameter of the corded edge of thetape.

The length of the individual separator ends, would depend upon the requirernents of a particular fastener, and may be varied tofisuit the requirements of the channel, or box, in which the separators are inserted, in the assembled fastener.

The closing jaws,,which engage the legs of the separator, may be of the sliding type, shownin the drawings, or a pivoted, rockingjaw, or other suitable closing mechanism, co-ordinated with the movementof the other parts of the die, may be substituted therefor.

It willbeapparent to those skilled in the art that my present invention isn ot limited to the specific details described above and shown-in the drawings, and that various modificationsare possible in carrying out the features of theinvention and the operation, actuation; and utilization thereof, without, departing-from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What'I claim i i I 1'. An apparatus for attaching individual separator ends to the corded edge of a slide fastener tape, said separatorends being furnished in strips of substantially Ll-shaped channel cross-section, with integral links connecting; adjoining separator ends, said apparatus comprising a base consisting of a horizontal plate with a vertical member fixedly attached to the horizontal plate, a plunger slidably supported by the vertical base member, means attaehedto the horizontal base plate for removably supporting one end of the slide fastener tape, a pair of sliding jaws operative to clamp the legs of the separator channel o ver the eorded edge'of the fastener tape slidably supported by the horizontal base plate, a pair of lovers pivotally supported by the vertical base member operative to actuate the'slidingjaws, means controlled by the slidingplunger operative to move said pivoted levers int o the separator endclarnping position, spring-actuated means operativ'eto restore the pivoted levers and the sliding jaws'to their free position when the pressure on the 's liding plunger is released, a feed slide slidably mounted on the horizontal base plate operative to progressively feed the channel strips'toward the sliding jaws, the movementof the sliding plunger inone direction being operative to simultaneously move thefeed slide in a direction Opposite the vertical base member, the sliding jaws being operativeto' grip the channel strip while the feed slide is moved away from the vertical base member, a pair of coiled compression springs operative to move the feed slide toward the sliding jaws when the pressure on the sliding plunger" is released, means controlled by said sliding plunger operative to shear the link connecting adjoining separator ends, pressure means operative to move said sliding plunger during its feed slide actuating stroke, and a plurality of coiled compression springs operative to independently restore the sliding plunger to its initial position when the pressure thereon is released.

2. An apparatus for attaching individual separator ends to the corded edge of a slide fastener tape, said separator ends being furnished in strips of substantially U-shaped channel cross-section, with integral links con necting adjoining separator ends, said strips having gaps between adjacent separator channel lengths, said apparatus comprising a base consisting of a horizontal plate with a vertical member fixedly attached to said plate, a plunger slidably supported by the vertical member of said base means controlled by said sliding plunger operative to clamp the legs of an individual separator end over the corded edge of the fastener tape, means controlled by the sliding plunger operative to shear the link connecting adjoining separator end lengths, a slide supported by the horizontal base plate, said horizontal base plate having a strip feed channel therethrough, a stop slidably supported by said feed slide, a tip formed at one end of said stop fitting into the gap between adjacent separator end lengths, one side of said tip being adapted to engage the adjacent end of the separator channel length, the opposite side of said tip being bevelled, a formed plate spring attached to the feed slide operative to retain the tip in engagement with the separator end, said stop being operative to feed one length of separator channel when the feed slide is moved toward the vertical base member, spring means operative to move the feed slide toward the vertical base member, the movement of the plunger in one direction being operative to simultaneously move the separator channel feed slide away from the vertical base member against the spring means pressure, the bevelled edge of the tip of the stop being operative to raise the stop out of engagement with the adjacent end of the separator channel, pressure means for moving said sliding plunger, during its feed slide controlling stroke, and a plurality of springs for independently restoring the sliding plunger to its initial position when the pressure means thereagainst is released.

3. A self-contained die for progressively attaching individual separator ends to the corded edge of a slide fastener tape, said separator ends being furnished in strips of substantially U-shaped channel cross-section, with integral links connecting adjoining separator ends, said channel strip having spaced gaps therethrough in alignment with the integral links between adjoining separator ends, said apparatus comprising a base consisting of a horizontal plate and a vertical member fixedly attached to said horizontal plate, a plunger reciprocatingly supported by the vertical base member, means attached to the horizontal base plate for removably supporting one end of the fastener tape, a pair of sliding jaws operative to clamp the legs of the separator ends over the corded edge of the fastener tape, means controlled by the plunger operative to move the sliding jaws into the separator end leg clamping position, a substantially vertical slide guided by a pair of bars attached to the vertical base member, a shear blade attached to the vertical slide, said plunger being operative to control the movement of the vertical slide and the shear blade into the shearing position, a separator end feed slide slidably supported by the horizontal base plate, said horizontal base plate having a strip feed channel therethrough, a stop reciprocatingly supported by the feed slide, a tip formed at one end of said stop to fit into the gap between adjacent separator ends, one side of said tip being operative to engage the adjacent edge of the separator end, the opposite side of the tip being bevelled, a plate spring attached to the feed slide operative to retain the tip of the stop in engagement with the separator end, said stop being operative to feed one length of the separator channel toward the shear blade when the feed slide is moved toward the vertical base member, a pair of coiled compression springs operat ve to move the separator end feed slide toward the ver tlcal base member, a guide block supported by the vertical base member, said guide block having a groove therein, said groove being operative to guide and locate the separator channel strip in alignment with the clamping aws, one end of said block being operative to guide the shear blade, the movement of the plunger being coordinated to simultaneously move the separator channel feeding mechanism in one direction, externally applied pressure means operative to move the plunger toward the horizontal base plate, and a plurality of coiled compression springs operative to independently restore the plunger andthe shear blade to their initial position when the pressure means thereagainst is released.

4. A self-contained die for attaching individual separator ends to the corded edge of a slide fastener tape, said separator ends being furnished in strips of substantially U-shaped channel cross-section, with integral links connecting adjoining separator ends, said strip having gaps formed between adjacent channel ends, said apparatus comprising a base consisting of a horizontal plate and a vertical member fixedly attached to the horizontal plate, a plunger slidably supported by the vertical base member, a pair of sliding jaws controlled by the plunger operative to clamp the legs of an individual separator end over the corded edge of the fastener tape, a shear blade controlled by said plunger operative to shear the link connecting adjoining separator ends, a separator end feed slide supported by the horizontal base plate, said horizontal base plate having a strip-feed channel therein, a stop slidably supported by the feed slide, a tip formed at one end of said stop to fit into the gap between adjacent separator channel ends, one side of said tip engaging the adjacent edge of the separator end, the opposite side being bevelled,

a formed plate spring attached to the feed slide operative to retain the tip in engagement with the separator end, said stop being operative to feed one length of separator channel when the feed slide is moved toward the vertical base member, a pair of coiled compression springs operative to move the feed slide toward the vertical base member, a guide block supported by the vertical base member, said guide block having a groove shaped to guide and locate the separator channel strip in alignment with the clamping jaws, one end of said guide block being operative to guide the shear blade, the movement of the plunger in one direction being operative to move the feed slide away from the vertical base member, the clamping jaws being operative to grip one of the separator ends after the feed slide is moved toward the vertical base member, external pressure means operative to move the plunger toward the horizontal base member, and a pair of coiled compression springs operative to independently restore the plunger to its initial position when the pressure means thereagainst is released.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,331,884 Sundback Feb. 24, 1920 1,739,02l Turner Dec. 10, 1929 1,960,537 Hartwell May 29, 1934 2,201,068 Wintritz May 14, 1940 2,366,287 Rabinowitz Jan. 2, 1945 2,385,836 Norkin et al Oct. 2, 1945 2,437,793 Silberman Mar. 16, 1948 2,444,706 Loew July 6, 1948 

